10 Celebrities You Probably Didn’t Know Are Haitian | News
By Neil Gladstone
January 22, 2010 / 11:30 AM
Chances are if you’re a music fan, you know that former Fugees Wyclef Jean and Pras are both of Haitian descent. After the earthquake Wyclef has been leading the relief efforts, raising money for his charity Yele and trying to gain support for relocating 2 million Port au Prince residents. But what other celebrities have Haitian heritage? Plenty. Take a look at the following list.
If you think we just came up with this list to help raise money for earthquake relief efforts, you’re definitely on to us. You can send $10 right now to help the American Red Cross effort in Haiti by texting “Haiti” to 90999 (a charge will be added to your phone bill). For those who want to give more, please donate to Hope for Haiti Now. And don’t forget to watch tonight’s telethon: Hope for Haiti Now.
10. Maxwell — While the neo-soul crooner was raised in Brooklyn, his mother was from Haiti.
He recently attended an emergency meeting organized by former President Bill Clinton to develop ways of helping the impoverished people of Haiti.
9. Arcade Fire’s Regine Chassagne — The singer for indie-rock group Arcade Fire recently wrote a piece for The Observer about her ancestral ties to the island and how she is desperately trying to find out about friends and family. “Everybody I talk to says the same thing: time has stopped. Simultaneously, time is at work. Sneakily passing through the cracks, taking the lives of survivors away, one by one.”
8. Jason Derulo — The man who went platinum with the hit “Whatcha Say” was born in Miami to parents who are Haitian immigrants. He recently told MTV News: “I’m really proud how the celebrities have kind of come together, especially Wyclef. I mean, he’s always been very, very instrumental in charities for Haiti, but he has really, really stepped up.”
7. Jean Michael-Basquiat — By combining elements of graffiti and African and Caribbean culture in his paintings, Basquiat brought street culture to high society in the ’80s.
His father was Haitian and his mother was Puerto Rican. Although Basquiat died in 1988 of an overdose, Andy Warhol helped make the artist’s tortured work internationally famous. Celeb fans include Metallica’s Lars Ulrich and Russell Simmons.
6. Jonathan Vilma — The New Orleans Saints’ linebacker is the son of Haitian immigrants and he still has aunts and uncles who live in the country. He just released a newly designed T-shirt that celebrates the Saints’ success (they’re in the playoffs this year) and raises money for victims.
5. De la Soul’s TruGoy the Dove — While he grew up on Long Island, David Jude Jolicoeur, one-third of the consciousness-expanding rap trio De la Soul, is Haitian-American (as well as hilariously abrasive).
4. Garcelle Beauvais — Born in St. Marc, Haiti, Garcelle’s mother, Marie-Claire, moved the seven children in the family to Massachusetts after divorcing their father. Garcelle is best known for her roles in “NYPD Blue” and “Barbershop 2.
” In this clip, from early in her career, she’s strolling along the beach as Luther Vandross sings “Take You Out.”
3. Tony Yayo, DJ Whoo Kid and (possibly) 50 Cent — G-Unit members Tony Yayo and DJ Whoo Kid recently spoke to MTV News about their concerns for their ancestral homeland. “It’s confusing, man,” said Tony. “It shows you how life is — Haiti lost everything in 30 seconds.” While 50 Cent has not widely mentioned a Haitian connection, his mother, who died when he was 12, was reportedly half Haitian (making him one-quarter).
2. Pierre Garcon — Haitian-American wide receiver Pierre Garcon was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in 2008. He spent his first year as a backup and moved into a starting position after other members of the team were injured. During the 2009 season, Garcon became a star with 47 receptions for 765 yards and 4 touchdowns.
1. W.E.B. Du Bois — You may not know who W.E.B. Du Bois is, but you should.
The Haitian-American activist wrote many influential works about racism in America, including “The Souls of Black Folk.” One of his most famous works, “Credo,” begins:
“I believe in God who made of one blood all races that dwell on earth. I believe that all men, black and brown and white, are brothers, varying, through Time and Opportunity, in form and gift and feature, but differing in no essential particular, and alike in soul and in the possibility of infinite development.
“Especially do I believe in the Negro Race; in the beauty of its genius, the sweetness of its soul, and its strength in that meekness which shall yet inherit this turbulent earth.”
If there’s anyone you think we should add to this list, drop the name in the comments section.
Don’t forget: You can send $10 right now to help the American Red Cross effort in Haiti by texting “Haiti” to 90999 (a charge will be added to your phone bill). For those who want to give more, please donate to the American Red Cross International Response Fund.
Haitian Celebrities: Famous People from Haiti
Haitian celebrities are well known throughout the Caribbean, the Americas and around the world for their amazing talents and the lasting impact they’ve had on Haitian culture.
While some of the most famous people from Haiti are typically musicians and politicians, there is also a plethora of both native born and Haitian American celebrities that are renowned actors, actresses, athletes, authors, comedians and journalists.
The following is a categorized list of some of the most widely recognized celebrities who are Haitian.
Haitian Actors, Actresses & Comedians
- Garcelle Beauvais (“Fancy” from The Jamie Foxx Show)
- Fednaelle Francois
- Maya Fairy
- Jimmy Jean-Louis (Haitian actor, writer & director)
- Tonton Bicha (Real Name: Daniel Fils Aimé) (Haitian Actor/Comedian) (Movie: I Love You Anne)
- JESIFRA (Haitian Comedian/Actor)
- Ivenson Telus
- Kako Bourjolly
- Tonton Dezirab
- Nice Simon (Haitian Movie: I Love You Anne)
- Blondedy Ferdinand (Actress/Singer)
- Gessica Geneus (Actress)
- Fabienne Colas (Actress)
- Atys Panch (Haitian Comedian/Actor/Singer)
- Success Junior
- SeJoe
Authors/Novelist
- Edwidge Danticat (Haitian Writer/Author, “Krik? Krak!“)
Athletes
- Andre Berto (Haitian-American Professional Boxer)
- Naomi Osaka (Haitian-Japanese Tennis Player)
- Duckens Nazon (Famous Haitian Soccer Player)
- Jozy Altidore (Haitian-American Soccer Player)
- Melchie Dumornay (Haiti Women’s National Soccer Team)
Business Professionals/Organizations
- Karen Civil (Business Strategist)
- Mideline Phelizord (Miss Haiti 2022)
- Rodney Noel (Haitian Music Promoter & HMI Executive)
- Patrick Fabre
- COACH KENOL
Haitian DJ’s
- DJ Frankie Mix-A-Lot
- DJ NICKY MIX
- DJ TONY MIX
- DJ 5 Etwal
- DJ STAKZ
Journalist/Radio Host/Media
- Liliane Pierre Paul (Radio Kiskeya)
- Jacqueline Charles (Miami Herald Caribbean Correspondent)
- Vladimir Duthiers (CBS News correspondent)
- Jean Monard Metellus (Radio Caraibes FM)
- BOB C (Radio Caraibes FM)
- Carel Pedre (Chokarella)
- Frantz Duval (Le Nouvelliste, Ticket Magazine)
- Guy Wewe (GUY WEWE RADIO A)
- Guerrier Henri (Radio Mega)
- KitCat (AyitiBiyografi)
- James Pierre
- Louko Desir (Matin Debat – Radio Tele Eclair)
- Lesly Jacques (Radio Haiti Amerique Internationale – WSRF 1580AM & 99.
5 FM) - Valerio Saint-Louis (TELE-IMAGE)
- Valery Numa (Radio Vision 2000)
- Wendell Theodore (Tele Metropole Haiti)
- Wilfrid Petit Frere (Konpaevents)
5 FM)Music Artist, Singers & Musicians
- Alan Cave
- Anie Alerte
- Arly Lariviere (Nu-Look)
- BEDJINE
- Baky
- BOB CaillouX
- Charlin Bato
- Daan Junior
- DARLINE DESCA
- DRO X YANI
- D-Perfect
- DJAPOT
- D-Singer
- Gazzman Couleur (Disip)
- Emeline Michel (Haitian Singer)
- Fantom
- Fatima Altieri
- Izolan
- J Beatz
- J. Perry
- Jackito (Jacque Sauveur Jean, Haitian Senator)
- Joé Dwèt Filé
- Kenny-Haiti
- K-Dilak Mesaje a
- Kodak Black
- Kolonel
- MasterBrain
- MikaBen (Michael Benjamin)
- MICKAEL MARABOU
- Maxwell
- Michael Brun
- Misty Jean
- Money G
- OSWALD
- Wyclef Jean (Fugees group member with Pras & Lauryn Hill)
- Jason Derulo (Song: Savage Love – 2020)
- Gracia Delva (Mass Konpa, Haitian Senator)
- Rutshelle Guillaume (Song: Rete La) (HMI Female Artist)
- Olivier Duret
- Pedro Force
- Phyllisia Ross
- Roody Roodboy
- TI LUNET
- Top Adlerman
- Troubleboy Hitmaker
- Scandy & Mr. Pass
- SHABBA
- Steeve Khe
- Steves J. Bryan
- Yani Martelly (Song: Gen Bagay) (HMI Male Artist, Michel Martelly Son)
- VAG LAVI
- Vanessa Désiré
- WANITO
- Wendyyy
Perry
PassHaitian Bands List (HMI)
- Carimi
- Disip
- Djakout #1
- D’Zine
- EKIP (SHABBA, DPERFECT, Steeve Khe)
- ENPOSIB (Medjy)
- Gabel (FLAV, Katalog)
- Harmonik
- 5LAN
- KAI (Richard Cavé)
- KLASS (Haitian singers: Richie, Pipo, Cadelouse Pierre)
- Kreyol La (TJO ZENNY)
- K Dans
- Mass Konpa
- Nu-Look
- T-Ansyto
- Team Lobey
- T-Vice
- Vyab (Mickaël Guirand)
- Zenglen
- Zin Haitian Band (Alan Cave)
- Zafem (Reginald Cange, Dener Ceide)
Classic Haitian Bands & Singers
- Ansy Derose
- Bossa Combo de Haiti
- Boukman Eksperyans
- Claudette & Ti Pierre
- Coupé Cloué
- Cubano
- Ibo Combo
- Kassav
- King Posse (Black Alex)
- Lionel Benjamin
- Larose & Missile 727
- Magnum Band
- Original Rap Staff
- Orchestre Tropicana d’Haïti
- Orchestre Septentrional d’Haïti
- Phantoms (King Kino)
- RAM
- Rodrigue Milien
- Skah Shah
- System Band
- Tabou Combo
- Toto Necessite
- Top Vice
- TomTom
- Zèklè
Politicians
- Jean-Jacques Dessalines (First Ruler of Haiti)
- Toussaint Louverture (Leader of Haitian Revolution)
- Francois Duvalier (Papa Doc)
- Jean-Claude Duvalier (Baby Doc)
- Jean Bertrand Aristide (Former 2-time Haitian President)
- Rene Preval (Former 2-time Haitian President)
- Michel Martelly (Former Haitian President) (Sweet Micky)
- Laurent Lamothe (Former Haitian Prime Minister)
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Rapper Wycliff Jean wants to be President of Haiti
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Hip-hop star Wycliff Jean has officially applied for the Haitian presidential election.
Dozens of the singer’s fans greeted Gene, who arrived with his wife and daughter at the Electoral Commission building in the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince.
The deadline for submitting documents for participation in the presidential race is coming Saturday. Elections in the country devastated by the January earthquake should be held on November 28th.
Wycliff Jean, a native of Haiti living in the US, has yet to prove that he is eligible under the laws of the country to run for president.
This is to be determined by a special committee. Among a number of constitutional requirements for a candidate, there is, among other things, a condition regarding the need to reside in Haiti for five consecutive years before the elections.
The Haitian presidential candidate must also not be a citizen of another country.
The US-raised singer holds a Haitian passport and resides in the United States.
As for the need to reside in the country, the singer states that due to his appointment as Haitian Ambassador-at-Large in 2007, this condition does not apply to him.
The official list of Haitian presidential candidates will be published on 17 August.
“This is a [important] moment in history,” the singer told the Associated Press. “It’s a very emotional time.”
“A very emotional time”
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Wycliff Jean submitted his bid for the Living Together political party.
“I would like to tell [US] President Barack Obama that the United States has Obama and Haiti has Wycliff Jean,” he told his supporters at a rally in Port-au-Prince.
Earlier this week, Wycliff Jean resigned from the management of Haiti’s children’s charity, whose financial records began to be audited some time ago.
Among other potential candidates who declared their desire to participate in the presidential race, there is also the singer’s uncle, Haitian Ambassador to the US Raymond Joseph.
The current president of the country, Rene Préval, according to the constitution, cannot be re-elected for a new term.
The winner of the election will participate in the distribution of billions of dollars allocated to Haiti to eliminate the consequences of the earthquake.
Jean Whitecliffe, former lead singer of the hip-hop group The Fugees, is very popular in Haiti, where half of the population is under 21.
In an interview with Time magazine, the hip-hop star said that his “secret weapon” in the election campaign will be that “Haitian youth no longer trust politicians.”
According to the singer, if not for the earthquake, he might have put forward his candidacy only in 10 years.
Wycliff Jean is the special representative of Haiti. He played a big role in Haiti receiving significant international aid after the earthquake that left 1.5 million people homeless.
NYT: The assassins of the President of Haiti began discussing the plan a few months ago
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The main suspects in the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise began discussing a plan to overthrow him a few months ago. This is reported by The New York Times with reference to the police of the republic and the security service of Colombia.
According to the publication, the meetings of the conspirators took place in the US state of Florida, as well as in the neighboring Dominican Republic with Haiti. The meeting participants themselves assure that it was not about the assassination of the head of state, but about his removal from power. At the same time, most of the circumstances of the conspiracy have not yet been disclosed, the publication emphasized.
“The Haitian police provided little specific information. And U.S. and Colombian officials said their representatives in the Haitian capital were unable to speak to most of the detainees and had to rely on Haitian authorities for information.
Newspaper reporters interviewed relatives of former soldiers who took part in the attack on Moise’s residence. According to them, those who recruited military personnel assured that this was an operation related to the “protection of important” persons in Haiti. The organizers said that the operation was organized by some American company, and they promised to pay well.
18 former Colombian soldiers were detained in Haiti, suspected of participating in the assassination attempt on the president. In total, the group included at least 26 Colombian citizens, according to Haitian authorities.
President Jovenel Moise was shot dead on 7 July in an attack on his residence. His wife was also seriously injured and later died in the hospital. Martial law has been introduced in the republic.
Read also: In Venezuela, they announced the connection between the assassination of the President of Haiti and the attempt on Maduro
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